I can hardly believe that Advent is nearly half over already. In
this season of preparation for the coming of Christ into the world,
I feel utterly unprepared to welcome Jesus. It seems as if there
are thousands of things pulling me away from opening my heart to
God’s call. I am constantly distracted with wrapping up the
end of the semester at school and often ignore my spiritual growth
and development. I keep telling myself that I will have more time
soon, but even when I have a spare moment, I find other seemingly
more important or necessary tasks to busy myself. I get caught up
in the commercialism of the Christmas season and sometimes forget
that I am supposed to be anticipating the birth of Jesus in Advent.
Today’s readings serve as a reminder that God is committed
to me, and I need to praise and worship the Lord in return.

This first reading from Isaiah today emphasizes all the wonderful
things God can do in nature that show the amazing power and devotion
of God to the people Israel. This reading shows the steadfastness
of God when it comes to faithful followers. The Lord always works
to bring about the Kingdom of Heaven, even if the sequence of events
does not seem to be beneficial to all people. As Isaiah says, there
is no reason to fear because the Lord will help us. Even though
the outlook may seem bleak, God holds the fate of the faithful in
capable hands. As we say in the Psalm today, “The Lord is
gracious and merciful; slow to anger, and of great kindness.”
In these times of distress and turmoil, the readings for today give
a good reminder of the grace and power of God that serve as a beacon
of hope for all.